Windows 10 is the latest and greatest version of Microsoft’s seminal operating system. And, while it does improve on what made the previous versions (especially Windows 7 and Windows 8.1) so great, it uses them as a foundation and creates a fantastic operating system with a variety of new features and improvements, alongside a refreshed interface.

So, even if you’re familiar with Windows, and have been for years, you might still want some help with a few things. And, that’s why we’re here – we know how to use Windows 10 inside and out, and have put together this guide to all the best Windows 10 tips and tricks, so you can be a Windows 10 power user before you know it.

Now that the Windows 10 October 2018 Update is available, there are even more great features built into Windows 10. And, if you haven’t updated to this latest build, we’ll show you how to download and install it.

How to download and install Windows 10

Before learning how to use Windows 10, you'll first need to download and install it, if your PC doesn't already come with the software installed. But, don’t worry – we’ll show you how to use the Windows 10 installer.

However, if you didn’t reserve your free upgrade to Windows 10 before it expired, you can simply go to the Microsoft Store, and you can purchase and download Windows 10 through there.

This takes you through the essential steps to make sure your PC is ready for the upgrade to Windows 10, including using the Windows 10 Upgrade Advisor, creating a recovery drive, backing up your important files and more.

Now that your PC is ready to install Windows 10 it should be a relatively straightforward process.

Step one: Check the Get Windows 10 app

When your PC is ready to download and install Windows 10, the Get Windows 10 app should appear in the notification area of your taskbar (in the bottom-right corner of your screen). This app will allow you to reserve your copy of Windows 10, letting Microsoft know you're interested in upgrading.

Step two: Download Windows 10 via Windows Update

Once reserved your Windows 10 download should be ready – if Windows doesn't automatically download it open up Windows Update (you can do this by typing "Windows Update" into the Start Men of Windows 7 or the Start Screen of Windows 8), and you should find it there ready to be downloaded and installed.

For a more in depth guide, head over to How to install Windows 10 to find out the best way to prepare your PC for an upgrade to Windows 10, and what to do if you want to roll back to a previous version of Windows.

This will download and install Windows 10 as an upgrade over your previous Windows installation, keeping your files and settings intact. However if you want to perform a clean install of Windows 10 then check out our guide on how to install Windows 10 via USB or DVD.

How to download and install the Windows 10 October Update

The Windows 10 October 2018 Update brings a ton of exciting features to Windows 10 that make the already great OS even better. Features like the new Your Phone app are amazing for anyone with an Android phone, while features like the Cloud Clipboard will do wonders for anyone with multiple Windows 10 devices.

How to get Windows 10 if it won't install

How to dual boot Windows 10

If you're not quite sold on Windows 10 and want to run it alongside another operating system such as Windows 8.1 or Linux, then you can multiboot Windows 10, allowing you to switch between systems when you turn on your PC.

It's a good way of testing out Windows 10 before fully committing, or if you need to keep an older operating system on your PC so you can still use certain programs that won't work in Windows 10.

How to reinstall Windows 10

Normally, you’ll be able to use Windows 10 without any major problems. However, even if you know exactly how to use Windows 10, things can go wrong, so it’s worth knowing how to reinstall Windows 10.

This can also help to speed up an aging PC, and trust us when we say there’s nothing like using a PC with a fresh installation of Windows 10. Many times, it’ll perform just like it did when you first built it or took it out of the box.

There are a number of options for reinstalling Windows 10, including a full reinstall, along with the more efficient restore and refresh methods.

How to create a Microsoft account

Once you've installed Windows 10, to get the most out of it you should also create a Microsoft account. This not only allows you to log into Windows 10, but it also lets you buy and install apps from the Windows Store, as well as save your files and settings to the cloud.

How to run Windows 10 on a Mac

Are you a Mac user who's not too keen on macOS 10.13 High Sierra and is looking enviously at all the new Windows 10 features? The good news is that it's relatively simple to switch operating systems – just check out our guide to how to run Windows 10 on a Mac.

How to run Windows 10 on a virtual machine

You can also install Windows 10 on a virtual machine. This lets you run Windows 10 in a different operating system, letting you test it out without having to fully install it on your PC.

How to get more from Windows 10

Want to find out what else you can do with Windows 10? Our guide on getting more from Windows 10 takes you through some of the excellent hidden - and not so hidden - features of Microsoft's new operating system.

How to uninstall Windows 10 and revert back to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1

Windows 10 is a very good operating system, but you may find when you move from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 that Windows 10 isn't for you.